Jersey City will launch an animal cruelty tip line allowing the public to anonymously report animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
To coincide with the launch, 38 police officers have been certified as Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officers, with 20 additional JCPD supervisors starting the specialized training next month.
The certification covers a wide range of content regarding animal-involved criminality, ranging from animal hoarding and dog fighting to identifying and investigating suspected abuse and rendering first aid to pets.
“Any violence on animals is deplorable, and it is important to do all we can to help these defenseless animals and stop such abuse. This tip line will provide a safe, anonymous service for people to use under circumstances where they may not otherwise feel comfortable alerting the cops out of fear the aggressor could turn on them,” said Mayor Fulop.
Tips will be directed to the Jersey City Police Department in partnership with the Municipal Prosecutor’s Office.
Utilizing a Dog Trust USA grant provided by Jersey City’s Health and Human Services Department, the JCPD and Prosecutor’s Office hope to enhance the training and enforcement of all animal welfare and animal cruelty laws.
Said JCPD Deputy Chief Nick Flora who worked to establish the tip line, “The Jersey City Police Department has worked to be more strategic in our efforts to combat all crime, from the worst violent offenders to those who commit acts of violence on helpless animals.”
“We are asking everyone to lend their voice by speaking up and reporting suspected animal abuse,” said Jake Hudnut, Jersey City’s Municipal Prosecutor. “Our trained law enforcement officials can then investigate, determine the facts, and decide if further action needs to be taken to prevent serious injury or death.”
“There is a close connection between protecting public health in our community and the health of our animals,” added Stacey Flanagan, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services Department. “Animals that are abandoned or not properly cared for can lead to serious medical issues such as bacterial diseases, infections, poor air and environmental conditions, and the like. This not only poses a danger to the animal, but it also puts its surroundings at risk.”
Animal cruelty crimes can be reported by calling the tip line at 201-547-4999 or emailing animalabusetipline@jcnj.org.